An analysis for more equitable revenue and expenditure allocations within Lingnan College

From the triennial 1995-98, the funds allocated from University Grants Committee to universities have decreased. In order to use the limited resources effectively, and to manage their revenue and costs efficiently, universities have to set up a better budgeting system. Therefore, the eight universities in Hong Kong are proposing the Revenue Center Management (RCM) instead of the current budgeting system. The purposes of this project focuses on the analyses of the current budgeting system adopted at Lingnan College, and the proposed RCM budgeting system

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy v. group psychoeducation for people with generalised anxiety disorder: randomised controlled trial

Background: Research suggests that an 8-week mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) course may be effective for generalised anxiety disorder (GAD). Aims: To compare changes in anxiety levels among participants with GAD randomly assigned to MBCT, cognitive–behavioural therapy-based psychoeducation and usual care. Method: In total, 182 participants with GAD were recruited (trial registration number: CUHK_CCT00267) and assigned to the three groups and followed for 5 months after baseline assessment with the two intervention groups followed for an additional 6 months. Primary outcomes were anxiety and worry levels. Results: Linear mixed models demonstrated significant group × time interaction (F(4,148) = 5.10, P = 0.001) effects for decreased anxiety for both the intervention groups relative to usual care. Significant group × time interaction effects were observed for worry and depressive symptoms and mental health-related quality of life for the psychoeducation group only. Conclusions: These results suggest that both of the interventions appear to be superior to usual care for the reduction of anxiety symptoms

Towards a global partnership model in interprofessional education for cross-sector problem-solving

Objectives A partnership model in interprofessional education (IPE) is important in promoting a sense of global citizenship while preparing students for cross-sector problem-solving. However, the literature remains scant in providing useful guidance for the development of an IPE programme co-implemented by external partners. In this pioneering study, we describe the processes of forging global partnerships in co-implementing IPE and evaluate the programme in light of the preliminary data available. Methods This study is generally quantitative. We collected data from a total of 747 health and social care students from four higher education institutions. We utilized a descriptive narrative format and a quantitative design to present our experiences of running IPE with external partners and performed independent t-tests and analysis of variance to examine pretest and posttest mean differences in students’ data. Results We identified factors in establishing a cross-institutional IPE programme. These factors include complementarity of expertise, mutual benefits, internet connectivity, interactivity of design, and time difference. We found significant pretest–posttest differences in students’ readiness for interprofessional learning (teamwork and collaboration, positive professional identity, roles, and responsibilities). We also found a significant decrease in students’ social interaction anxiety after the IPE simulation. Conclusions The narrative of our experiences described in this manuscript could be considered by higher education institutions seeking to forge meaningful external partnerships in their effort to establish interprofessional global health education

Return to work, work productivity loss and activity impairment in Chinese breast cancer survivors 12-month post-surgery: a longitudinal study

IntroductionExisting evidence of returning-to-work (RTW) after cancer comes predominately from Western settings, with none prospectively examined since the initial diagnostic phase. This study prospectively documents RTW-rate, time-to-RTW, work productivity loss, and activity impairment, within the first-year post-surgery among Chinese women with breast cancer (BCW) and identify potential causal co-variants.MethodsThis observational longitudinal study followed 371 Chinese BCW who were employed/self-employed at the time of diagnosis at 4-week post-surgery (baseline). RTW-status and time-to-RTW were assessed at baseline (T1), 4-month (T2), 6-month (T3), and 12-month (T4) post-baseline. WPAI work productivity loss and activity impairment were assessed at T4. Baseline covariates included demographics, medical-related factors, work satisfaction, perceived work demand, work condition, RTW self-efficacy, B-IPQ illness perception, COST financial well-being, EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-BR23 physical and psychosocial functioning, and HADS psychological distress.ResultsA 68.2% RTW-rate (at 12-month post-surgery), prolonged delay in RTW (median = 183 days), and significant proportions of T4 work productivity loss (20%), and activity impairment (26%), were seen. BCW who were blue-collar workers with lower household income, poorer financial well-being, lower RTW self-efficacy, poorer job satisfaction, poorer illness perception, greater physical symptom distress, impaired physical functioning, and unfavorable work conditions were more likely to experience undesired work-related outcomes.DiscussionUsing a multifactorial approach, effective RTW interventions should focus on not only symptom management, but also to address psychosocial and work-environmental concerns. An organizational or policy level intervention involving a multidisciplinary team comprising nurses, psychologists, occupational health professionals, and relevant stakeholders in the workplace might be helpful in developing a tailored organizational policy promoting work-related outcomes in BCW

Comparison of Characteristics of Breast Cancer Detected through Different Imaging Modalities in a Large Cohort of Hong Kong Chinese Women: Implication of Imaging Choice on Upcoming Local Screening Program

Background. We compared the clinico-radio-pathological characteristics of breast cancer detected through mammogram (MMG) and ultrasound (USG) and discuss the implication of the choice of imaging as the future direction of our recently launched local screening program. Methods. Retrospective study of 14613 Hong Kong Chinese female patients with histologically confirmed breast cancer registered in the Hong Kong Breast Cancer Registry between January 2006 and February 2020. Patients were classified into four groups based on the mode of breast cancer detection (detectable by both mammogram and ultrasound (MMG+/USG+), mammogram only (MMG+/USG−), ultrasound only (MMG−/USG+), or not detectable by either (MMG−/USG−). Characteristics of breast cancer detected were compared, including patient demographics, breast density on MMG, mode of presentation, tumour size, histological type, and staging. Types of mammographic abnormalities were also evaluated for MMG+ subgroups. Results. 85% of the cancers were detectable by MMG, while USG detected an additional 9%. MMG+/USG+ cancers were larger, more advanced in stage, often of symptomatic presentation, and commonly manifested as mammographic mass. MMG+/USG− cancers were more likely of asymptomatic presentation, manifested as microcalcifications, and of earlier stage and to be ductal carcinoma in situ. MMG−/USG+ cancers were more likely seen in young patients and those with denser breasts and more likely of symptomatic presentation. MMG−/USG− cancers were often smaller and found in denser breasts. Conclusion. Mammogram has a good detection rate of cancers in our local population. It has superiority in detecting early cancers by detecting microcalcifications. Our current study agrees that ultrasound is one of the key adjunct tools of breast cancer detection

Tamoxifen-related endocrine symptoms in Chinese patients with breast cancer: Study protocol clinical trial (SPIRIT Compliant).

BackgroundBreast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in females and disease recurrence remains a significant problem. To prevent recurrence, tamoxifen is prescribed for at least 5 years. However, among patients who receive tamoxifen, individual responses are highly variable. These responses are affected by the type, frequency, and severity of endocrine symptoms, as well as adherence rates. Polymorphisms in genes involved in the metabolism of tamoxifen (ie, CYP3A4, CYP2D6) may influence responses to tamoxifen. In this study, the inter-relationships among endocrine symptoms, drug adherence, and genetic polymorphisms in Chinese breast cancer patients receiving tamoxifen therapy will be examined. We hypothesize that patients with more severe endocrine symptoms will be less likely to adhere to tamoxifen treatment. In addition, we hypothesize that a relationship will exist between the severity of tamoxifen-induced symptoms and allelic variations in tamoxifen metabolism-related genes. Although many association studies have determined that select genotypes influence the efficacy of tamoxifen, very few studies have investigated for associations between tamoxifen-induced endocrine symptoms and these polymorphisms.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to characterize genetic polymorphisms in tamoxifen metabolism-associated genes in Chinese women with breast cancer and to explore the inter-relationships between genetic polymorphisms, endocrine symptoms, and adherence to tamoxifen.MethodWe will conduct a prospective cohort study that follows 200 Chinese women over 18 months and assess treatment-related symptoms and genetic variations. Endocrine symptoms and drug adherence will be determined through interview-administered standardized questionnaires. Polymorphisms in drug metabolism genes will be determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction based genotyping method. Data will be analyzed to determine associations between allelic variations, endocrine symptoms, and adherence.DiscussionThe proposed study will evaluate for polymorphisms in gene(s) that are associated with tamoxifen-related endocrine symptoms and adherence with tamoxifen. We will explore the relationships between genotypes, endocrine symptoms, and drug adherence in Chinese breast cancer patients. Findings from this study may assist clinicians to identify patients at higher risk for a worse symptom experience and lower adherence rates and enable them to initiate appropriate interventions. In the long term, the findings from this study may be used to develop and test tailored symptom management interventions for these patients

Tamoxifen-related endocrine symptoms in Chinese patients with breast cancer: Study protocol clinical trial (SPIRIT Compliant)

Background:Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in females and disease recurrence remains a significant problem. To prevent recurrence, tamoxifen is prescribed for at least 5 years. However, among patients who receive tamoxifen, individual responses are highly variable. These responses are affected by the type, frequency, and severity of endocrine symptoms, as well as adherence rates. Polymorphisms in genes involved in the metabolism of tamoxifen (ie, CYP3A4, CYP2D6) may influence responses to tamoxifen. In this study, the inter-relationships among endocrine symptoms, drug adherence, and genetic polymorphisms in Chinese breast cancer patients receiving tamoxifen therapy will be examined. We hypothesize that patients with more severe endocrine symptoms will be less likely to adhere to tamoxifen treatment. In addition, we hypothesize that a relationship will exist between the severity of tamoxifen-induced symptoms and allelic variations in tamoxifen metabolism-related genes. Although many association studies have determined that select genotypes influence the efficacy of tamoxifen, very few studies have investigated for associations between tamoxifen-induced endocrine symptoms and these polymorphisms.Objectives:The aim of this study was to characterize genetic polymorphisms in tamoxifen metabolism-associated genes in Chinese women with breast cancer and to explore the inter-relationships between genetic polymorphisms, endocrine symptoms, and adherence to tamoxifen.Method:We will conduct a prospective cohort study that follows 200 Chinese women over 18 months and assess treatment-related symptoms and genetic variations. Endocrine symptoms and drug adherence will be determined through interview-administered standardized questionnaires. Polymorphisms in drug metabolism genes will be determined using real-time polymerase chain reaction based genotyping method. Data will be analyzed to determine associations between allelic variations, endocrine symptoms, and adherence.Discussion:The proposed study will evaluate for polymorphisms in gene(s) that are associated with tamoxifen-related endocrine symptoms and adherence with tamoxifen. We will explore the relationships between genotypes, endocrine symptoms, and drug adherence in Chinese breast cancer patients. Findings from this study may assist clinicians to identify patients at higher risk for a worse symptom experience and lower adherence rates and enable them to initiate appropriate interventions. In the long term, the findings from this study may be used to develop and test tailored symptom management interventions for these patients